Sport: Football
Lettered: 1953-1955
Currently resides in Lafayette, La.

Notables: Three-time all conference fullback, two-time honorable mention All-American, holds school's career record with 6.2 yards per carry. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and played professionally in Canada.

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Jim Sides

Jim Sides was perhaps one of the most dependable running backs in Texas Tech history. Under head coach DeWitt Weaver, Sides averaged an impressive 6.2 yards per carry during his three-year career which spanned from 1953-1955.

The 6.2 yards per carry average still stands as a school record.

Sides is one of three former Texas Tech football players inducted into the 2011 Athletics Hall of Fame class, and said the honor is something that he is both humbled by and will share with his family.

"It's kind of unbelievable," Sides said of the induction. "It's very exciting. I have a pretty good-sized family that is just [excited] and waiting to go. It means so much to me that they are able to participate in it."

During his prolific Texas Tech career, Sides lost only three total yards, and never lost a fumble. During the 1953 season he helped the Red Raiders reach the Gator Bowl where they defeated No. 17 Auburn 35-13.

However, while he said the Gator Bowl experience was special, it was the Texas game on opening-day during his senior season that still stands out to Sides today.

"That was quite exciting," Sides said.

Sides currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. Following his graduation from Texas Tech, he became a geo-physicists and also worked for John Champs and Associates, an engineering company in Lafayette. He is currently retired.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Sides said of the induction ceremonies. "It's something that most people don't get to take part in, so it's really excited."

The Hall of Fame Banquet will be held Friday, Oct. 7 at 6:00 p.m. in the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Banquet Hall. The honorees will also be recognized prior to the Texas A&M football game the following day.